Family Time in the Great Outdoors
Family adventures are a great way to grow closer and develop meaningful connections. But with lodging prices rising and the logistical nightmare that traveling with the entire family can be, many Americans are looking at a new option: ditching the beaches and resorts and heading to the great outdoors. Actually, we know this option isn’t new at all. Spending time outdoors with family may very well be one of the most time-honored traditions ever. CAMPING Lodgings and flights are expensive, so going on a family vacation can cost thousands of dollars — and that’s just for the basics! But camping only requires a tent, a fire, picnic food, and water. Rather than scarfing down fast food between flights and dealing with airport security, departure delays, and long flights, take a deep breath and roast marshmallows over the fire with the people you love. HIKING A hike with family is an easy way to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. All a hike requires is a trail and a sense of adventure. The best part of hiking is that you can tailor the
distance to fit your family’s needs. If you have children or grandkids who aren’t up for the challenge of an arduous daylong trek, there’s sure to be a shorter scenic trail. If nothing else, you can always turn around and backtrack the way you came. FISHING Fishing is a great way to get out and do something relaxing yet challenging. It doesn’t require a lot of skill or investment. All it takes is the willingness to learn and the desire to connect with nature. This is why fishing is the perfect activity for youngsters of all ages. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your rod and reel and head to the nearest lake or river. While these are all great stand-alone options, together they form an amazing three-headed monster for your next family outing. By combining camping with a hike to a river or lake where you can go fishing, you are sure to create lasting memories with your family that will draw you closer together. Ditch the lines at the airport and the stress of travel. Unleash the possibilities of adventure in the great outdoors.
The Winds of April People often wonder if there’s any truth to the idea that tornadoes strike the United States more than elsewhere in the world. The answer is yes! It all comes down to the shape and placement of North America. The U.S. experiences more tornadoes than any other country in the world, with an average of 178 twisters during April. In fact, meteorologists call April the start of the tornado season. In May, however, the average number of twisters peaks to 269. Most tornadoes occur along the aptly named Tornado Alley. This swath of North America stretches from the Canadian border to the Gulf of Mexico, cutting through each central Plains state. What most people don’t realize is how much land Tornado Alley really covers. It’s practically one-third of the country! But why here? It all has to do with geography. As warm, moist air makes its way up through the central states from the Gulf of Mexico, it collides with the cooler, drier air that slopes away from the Rocky Mountains. This
A Gust of Tornado Facts
combination of warm and cool air is the ultimate recipe for major storms — particularly the kind of storms that produce tornadoes.
During tornado season, the time of day can also influence the development of twisters. As meteorologists have observed, a majority of tornadoes occur around 5 p.m. — so often, in fact, they call it the “5 o’clock magic.” The cause of this “magical” hour is due to atmospheric temperatures. By 5 in the afternoon, the day’s temperature has usually peaked. As a result, storms are at their most energetic. The United States isn’t the only country affected by tornadoes. Argentina, Australia, Bangladesh, China, central Europe, Japan, New Zealand, the Philippines, Western Russia, South Africa, and the United Kingdom all experience notable tornado activity. South America even has its own version of Tornado Alley, which stretches from central Argentina up through Uruguay and into Paraguay.
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